Ever wondered what's inside a seasoned angler's tackle box? This isn't just a random collection of lures; it's a carefully curated arsenal designed for success. This deep dive into my personal tackle box organization reveals the secrets behind efficient fishing, showcasing how proper arrangement maximizes time on the water and minimizes frustrating searches. From frequently used trailers and soft plastics to specialized crankbaits and topwater lures, I'll break down each compartment, highlighting my go-to choices and the logic behind my (sometimes slightly chaotic!) system. Prepare to be amazed (or maybe just slightly amused) by the contents of my trusty fishing companion.Get ready for a detailed exploration of my Plano boxes, revealing the organization (or lack thereof!) behind my fishing success. I'll share my strategies for storing everything from deep-diving crankbaits to surface lures, and even confess to some less-than-perfect organizational habits. This isn't just about neatness; it's about understanding how to quickly access the right gear at the right time, turning moments of hesitation into moments of hooking the big one. Join me as we delve into the fascinating (and slightly messy) world of my tackle box!
Pros And Cons
- Nice lure
- Caught muskie and bass
- Work well
- Caught fish
- Cheap
Read more: 5 Best Small Fishing Tackle Boxes for Anglers
Essential Trailers and Random Finds
My tackle box's front pouches are dedicated to frequently used items. The first pouch holds my go-to trailers – Bass Pro Shops Bull Hogs. Their convenient location ensures quick access during fishing sessions, crucial when a trailer breaks or gets lost. The bottom of the same pouch, somewhat shamefully, contains used, discarded trailers.
The adjacent pouch is a treasure trove of random fishing accessories. Among the chaos are Lunker Hunt Lunker Sticks (sherbet color), Lunker Bento Baits, and a variety of other soft plastics including Hoax Fish, Scam Shads, and X Zone trailers. This area is clearly a catch-all for items I don't want to misplace.
Soft Plastic Frogs and Jig Storage
The side pouches of my tackle box are dedicated to soft plastic frogs and jig storage. One pouch contains a variety of soft plastic frogs, including Booyah Pad Crashers and Lunker Hunt Mini Frogs, along with some cheaper alternatives. These frogs are key components for my fishing strategy in certain conditions.
The other side pouch sadly, is mostly trash. Old jig remnants are casually tossed in here; a testament to my occasional laziness in keeping things tidy. I need to develop better habits around this, I must admit!
Top-Level Essentials and Jig Selection
The top compartment is a catch-all for handy items: a cleaning rag to wipe down hands after handling fish or snacks, and a miscellaneous collection of hooks. This is often overlooked but important for hygiene and immediate hook replacement.
Then there's the jig box – currently a little sparse. While many of my most-used jigs are in a separate box, this one still holds a few key styles and colors. I find myself using the hair jigs and a particular PB&J color most often.
Crankbaits and Topwater Lures
My crankbait box is my most-used Plano-style box. It houses the majority of my crankbaits, categorized by diving depth. A deep-diving crankbait (19 feet) is my most frequently used. This box also includes other diving crankbaits, a lipless crankbait (15-19 feet), and square bills.
The topwater lure box is where the excitement lies! It contains a variety of surface lures, including a large frog (possibly Lunker Hunt), a dragonfly, a Yapper Wrap, various poppers, and my personal favorite, the Whopper Plopper. This selection allows me to target bass in different surface feeding situations.
Spinnerbaits, Square Bills, and Apollos
My spinnerbait/chatterbait box contains a mix of spinnerbaits, primarily in white, chartreuse, and orange/blue/green. While not my main go-to lures, these do have their place. This box might also include a Lunker Hunt Bully Blade.
The square bill crankbait box is a treasure trove of various colors and depths. The selection allows for adapting to different fishing conditions and targeting fish at various depths. The sheer number of lures is a sign of my commitment to square bill fishing!
Apollo Lures, Empty Box, and Hook Box
My Apollo box, as the name suggests, is full of Apollo lures—various colors and styles, including jointed versions. These lures have proven effective, particularly on smaller bass when other methods are failing.
I keep an empty box for unexpected needs. This is accompanied by a small hook box containing weedless hooks, split shots, bullet weights, and other small tackle items. This is useful for organizing small tackle and for unplanned additions during a fishing trip.
Conclusion: Tackle Box Organization for Success
This detailed look at my tackle box reveals my fishing preferences and organizational habits (or lack thereof!). Having a well-organized tackle box is essential for efficient fishing, reducing time spent searching and maximizing time spent actually fishing.
The variety of lures and accessories, especially my favorites such as the Whopper Plopper and different crankbaits, reflects the importance of having the right tools for different situations. While a level of 'organized chaos' exists, the overall system generally works well for me.